Thursday, 19 November 2015

Performance Testing and Types

Performance
testing is the part of software testing which deals with the speed of
performance or the effectiveness of a particular software under a specified
workload. It basically checks the stability of the software along with its
responsiveness when it is being put under extensive workload. The detailed
study of the performance testing has divided the same into various parts which
may be used to check various aspects of the software’s performance.

Capacity Test: This is the method of performance testing of a software which is
related to the number of users that can be handled by the specific application
at any particular time. It helps you to enhance the capability of your
application in terms of handling larger number of users at the same time.

Load Test: Load test is done to check the work ability of the software under
various loads which ranges from normal capacity of the software to the high end
loads which may indicate the breaking point of the software. This helps in
measuring the normal working capacity of the application that is being tested.

Stress Test:Just as the name suggests, stress tests are usually performed by
applying excessive working load on the application or software which is being
examined. It determines how the application would respond in case of the
increased stress environment. This helps the developer in increasing the test
capacity of the application or to make it respond in a better way while under
such situations.

Soak Test:Soak test is usually performed o check the working capability of
the software when it is being used for a long period of time. An application
may be working well over short period of time and may mal function when it is
being run for a longer time period. Soak test helps in enhancing the working
ability of the software under prolonged period of work.

Spike Test:Spike test is performed in order to check how the software responds
when the load is repeatedly increased during the examination process, over a
short period of time. The repeated application of load beyond anticipated
capacity brings forth any kind of mal functions which needs rectification.

Component Test: Component tests helps in checking the working ability of the
various components of the software when featured under stress. When you need to
check how the individual components or certain component of the software
performs under normal or increased work load, you need to perform this test.

Smoke Test: This is one of the simplestperformance teststhat the software is
put under. This checks the functionality of the software under normal work load
to check if it functions as desired. If the application fails the smoke test,
it requires no further testing unless it has been rectified to work normally
under the minimal load possible.

Scalability Test: Scalability test is done on a software to check how the software
has scaled up in terms of performances after the errors have been rectified or
as compared to the previous tests done.

Volume Test:Volume test is performed to check how the application works when it
is allowed to process a large number of data.

These are the
various types of performance tests that can truly evaluate the workability of
the software under examination.